SENIOR Liberal Democrat councillors today dismissed controversial Labour group claims on housing policy as "preposterous".

The Labour group had attacked the Liberal Democrats' planning spokeswoman, Ann Reid, over a comment it said she made at a council meeting.

Labour members claim Coun Reid implied people who could not afford to live in York should move elsewhere.

But Coun Steve Galloway, Liberal Democrat leader, said today: "Ann Reid did not say that. There is no truth in it whatsoever. Our policy is quite clear. We will build on brownfield land and provide the same proportion of affordable homes as Labour would build."

Coun Reid also denied making the comment.

She said: "The problem is we are talking about a meeting in October. This was six months ago. How can anyone remember exactly what was said?

"If they (Labour) thought what they think I said was so terrible, one would have thought they would have raised it in council two weeks later. Whatever was said it was not said in that context. I did not make that specific quote."

But Coun Dave Merrett, Labour leader, today stood by his group's claims.

He said: "She (Coun Reid) said it quite innocently. I do not think she realised what she was saying.

"We (Labour) have said before, Liberal Democrat plans in terms of providing housing in York do not add up. Councillor Reid's comments in effect confirm that and we felt the voters in York had the right to know it."

Tory leader John Galvin said: "I was not there when the remark is said to have been made, but I have no sympathy for the Liberal Democrats over this."

As previously reported in the Evening Press, Labour claim the Liberal Democrats are relying too heavily on the proposed York Central development to provide new homes in York.

But the Liberal Democrats have dismissed this, saying York Central is so important to York and has seen so much investment that it has to go ahead.

The Liberal Democrats criticised Labour for "casting doubt" on the York Central proposals.

Coun Galloway also denied the Liberal Democrats would cut back on Park&Ride provision in York.

Labour leader Dave Merrett claimed the Lib Dems would cut Park&Ride provision.

But Coun Galloway said: "That would not happen, we would continue to expand Park&Ride, but not as quickly as Labour. Alongside the expansion we would be investing in other types of transport, such as improving roads and footpath services to encourage cycling and walking."

Updated: 10:59 Monday, April 28, 2003